Texas Did Not Always Ensure That Allegations and Referrals of Abuse and Neglect of Children Eligible for Title IV-E Foster Care Payments Were Recorded and Investigated in Accordance With Federal and State Requirements 

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (State agency) did not always ensure that allegations and referrals of abuse and neglect for children in foster care covered by Title IV-E of the Act were recorded and investigated in accordance with Federal and State requirements. Of the 100 reported cases of abuse and neglect that we reviewed, 54 were investigated in accordance with Federal and State requirements. Of the remaining 46 cases (12 cases had more than 1 issue), we found that the State did not (1) submit 17 investigation reports for supervisory approval within 30 days as required or (2) ensure, in 41 cases, that investigators and their supervisors conducted and documented interim meetings within 20 days as required.